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23 Oct 2025
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23 Oct 2025
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The case was heard in Castlebar Courthouse.
A MAN who was caught begging outside Dunnes Stores in Castlebar has been sentenced to two weeks imprisonment.
Bucan Gheorge (34) of no fixed abode appeared before Castlebar District Court where he pleaded guilty to begging in Castlebar on June 15, 2021.
Court presenter, Inspector David Tiernan, explained that the defendant was observed by Garda John McNamara on Hopkins Road outside Castlebar with a paper cup in his hand collecting coins. Insp Tiernan said that Garda McNamara observed adults giving money and he approached the defendant to tell him he was committing an offence.
The court heard that there was €10.05 in the cup and Mr Gheorge was directed to leave the area.
Insp Tiernan outlined that Mr Gheorge, a Romanian national, has previous convictions for begging in the UK and his solicitor Cathy McDarby said that her client was now looking for work after returning from Romania.
She said that he is living with friends in Cork and had travelled by public transport to Mayo to face the charge. She said he understood he should not be begging and will not do it again.
Judge Fiona Lydon sentenced Mr Gheorge to a two-week term of imprisonment and told him there are many resources available to him without having to go begging.
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